Opening today, The Lakes drive thru is Zarraffa’s milestone 70th store and the company’s second location in Townsville in under six months.
Company CEO Kenton Campbell believes that Townsville typifies coffee culture in the state’s regional areas.
“There has been a lot of interest from regional markets for our stores, driven by demand for quality coffee and convenience,” he said.
Mr Campbell said the relocation of franchisee, Corey Blakemore and his young family, showed a strong commitment to the brand and has played a large part in the success of the Fairfield store to date, which opened in November 2013.
“We are lucky in Townsville to have the right combination of available store sites and experienced franchisees.”
The Australian-owned company has long had its eye on northern expansion in Queensland, with a number of key locations in Townsville and Cairns on the drawing board.
“As with all of our openings, north Queensland is to be rolled out strategically; well supported with training and resourcing to ensure healthy businesses and ongoing success for our franchisee partners.”
“We still have several options for Townsville and at least one store to open in Cairns this year but every new opportunity needs to be weighed against the success of the existing stores within the Group, no matter how great the demand.”
Located at 161 Hugh Street, Currajong, Zarraffa’s Coffee The Lakes will service a highly populated area with some industrial and business zoning on a major arterial road.
“This drive thru is in an established strip mall and has great instore dining space as well as excellent drive thru access on to Hugh Street,” said Mr Blakemore.
“The store is sure to be a faster paced operation than our Fairfield drive thru, given its location, and also because so many people are familiar with the brand now and our standard of service and coffee.”
The store will employ a whole new team of Baristas, creating employment opportunities for approximately 25 people and will be helmed by store manager Trent Moody, who will uproot from the Gold Coast to take up the opportunity.
“Trent has been with us at our Worongary store on the Gold Coast for the past five years and recognises the opportunities the new store can offer, as well as the positive lifestyle changes living in Townsville can bring.”
Since his own relocation to Townsville in mid-2013, Mr Blakemore and his wife have given birth to their third child and he says the business has offered his family a new path.
“We love living in Townsville and now with two businesses we feel a part of the community. The Lakes store will help us strengthen our ties locally with more opportunity to help support the local community, schools and sporting clubs.”
“My plan, as we continue to grow, we will be to have a larger impact on how we can personally and financially do our part where we live.”
Zarraffa’s Coffee The Lakes will be open from Wednesday 23rd April, with a grand opening planned for Saturday 26th April.
“Cliffo and Tianna from Hot FM will be broadcasting live from 10am – 1pm and we will have Zarraffa’s Coffee North Queensland brand ambassador, Cowboy’s Dallas Johnson, on hand to sign autographs,” said Mr Blakemore. “All of that and a sausage sizzle, face painting and great coffee will certainly open things with a bang!”
The 120 square metre store will incorporate both instore dining and drive thru capabilities but Mr Blakemore believes customers come back to Zarraffa’s for more than just great coffee.
“Our mantra of an ‘individually perfect cup of coffee, every time’ makes us strive to create great coffee for every customer but I believe what separates us from all others is our service.”
“We make an assertive effort to engage with our customers; to help them enjoy the overall experience of what Zarraffa’s has to offer by adding to their day…every day.”
Zarraffa’s Coffee The Lakes is located at 161 Hugh Street, Currajong, Townsville, QLD, 4810
Opening hours: 5am – 10pm, seven days a week
